How did your week go? Are you finding it harder or easier to menu plan in the summer? Are you pulling out the crockpot to avoid heating up the kitchen? How about enjoying yummy summer salads? I love a good potato or pasta salad, something you just can’t beat on a hot day that is for sure. For some summer recipes you might be interested in this free pdf from Econobusters called Molly Green FRESH.

I hosted a packing party the other night (such a great way to attack the task at hand) and made up the Bacon Cheese Dip in a Bread Bowl for my guests. Unfortunately I ended up having to throw the whole thing out because it was sooo salty from all the bacon. Toni suggests using bacon bits instead so I’ll definitely give that a try next time. I’m getting down to bare bones in my fridge and freezer so it will be interesting to see how this week plays out for me.

Oh and before I forget I did want to let you know that I’ve updated my Menu Planning Resources page a little bit so if you haven’t had a chance to check it, please do. Some very helpful links there.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MENU PLAN THIS WEEK?

Mr. Linky was out of commission today so I’m trying inlinkz instead. I’ve seen inlinkz used on a few blogs and I love that the links are displayed with a thumbnail image. You get to select any image from your blog or blog post.

So let’s give it a go and see how it works out (please let me know your preference). Click on the frog face below to add your link.

I’ve been avoiding using the oven to keep the kitchen cooler. It always seems to be the warmest room in the house. We’ve been grilling a ton lately and I’m busting out the crock pot this week!

On another note, I’m looking for some good meatless Monday recipes that aren’t spicy (I don’t cook with peppers due to health problems). If you have some good recipes, do you mind hoping over and sharing them in my comments?

I joined MPM for the first time this week. I’m cooking mostly based on things I have on hand this week. We’ve been grilling A LOT lately but we’re taking a break from that this week, which is probably ok since we’re supposed to have afternoon storms almost every evening.

Thanks Laura!
I use the inlinkz linky on several of my blogs, it’s wonderful! It’s so nice to have a little sneak peak. Hope you’ll continue using it. I haven’t had any problems with it at all, and Aris the owner is awesome and very readily available if you have any questions or issues.

Thanks for keeping us all on track, Laura! The menu planning is making my life a lot easier and allowing me more time and energy to focus on my art and to be creative in the kitchen! I like the new linky tool.

I LOVE the new MPM link/thumbnail layout! I like to look through the links every week but always end up losing my place when the links are arranged in the 3 long columns. Now that they are in rows I can just start with #1 and keep going row by row. It’s so much easier to keep track of where I left off if I have to stop browsing. I would love to see it like this every week. :O)

I love the thumbnail linkys too. Pictures are make it so interesting to look at.

I tackled menu planning this week for camping. Recipes for camping. Meal prep for camping. And when I say camping..I mean camping with a tent, and a gas bbq and a picnic table….we don’t own a camper. I love having my meals organized for camping because it makes my life so much easier and keeps the husband happy too, as he is the cook.